There's a Bear on My Chair
They’re a mischievous pair, are the mouse and the bear… pull up a seat for puppets aplenty and lots of laughs as Ross Collins’ books come alive on stage.
Poor Mouse! A Bear has settled in his favourite chair and it isn’t big enough to share.
Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move the pesky Bear, but nothing seems to work. Before long, the tables are turned, and Bear finds himself with an unwelcome guest of his own… the cheeky Mouse won’t leave his house!
In this visually enchanting stage adaptation of Ross Collins’ much-loved books, which are bursting with character and invention, Toby Olié (The BFG, Spirited Away and War Horse) brings Bear and Mouse to life with captivating puppetry.
Returning to the Southbank Centre this Christmas, There’s a Bear on My Chair is perfect festive fun for families – a heartwarming, enthralling and hilarious theatrical experience for children and grown-ups to treasure together.
Based on There’s a Bear on My Chair and There’s a Mouse in My House by Ross Collins © Ross Collins, 2015. Licensed by Nosy Crow Limited. Adapted for the stage and directed by Toby Olié.
Presented by Fuel in association with the Southbank Centre.
Need to know
Every adult and child needs a ticket, except for babes in arms aged under 18 months at the time of the performance who don’t need their own seat. Under-12s must be seated next to an accompanying adult.
Haze and flashing lights are used in this performance.
Reviews
‘Winning adaptation … with near-miraculous puppetry and a lovely, caring message.’
The Stage
‘a superb family show full of fabulous fun’
Everything Theatre
‘A perfect … treat for little ones’
LondonTheatre1
‘Kept my little one captivated’Afridiziak Theatre News
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Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
11 Dec 2026 – 03 Jan 2027
Run time
55 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £16 + £4 booking fee
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
Concessions
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Refunds and exchanges
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Access
Fri 11 Dec, 10.30am & 1.30pm: Relaxed Performances. Relaxed Performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and you are free to enter and exit during the performances. A chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones are available for both adults and children. There are no adjustments to sound and lighting for these performances.
To book tickets for BSL interpretation, email [email protected] or call us on 020 3879 9555. Interpretation is by Suzy Evans on Sun 20 Dec & Mon 28 Dec, 10.30am.
All performances are Captioned.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
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For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.